Craft beer evangelism

I will not go out of my way to convert people...but if a conversation starts involving why I am drinking such and such instead of whatever the masses are drinking I take that as an invitation to step up to the pulpit.

 

I'm down for the will offer craft beer suggestions or info if I'm actually asked, otherwise people can drink what they want whether I like it or not. Most I'll really do without being asked is along the lines of "man, have you had the blue moon pumpkin? i like it a lot" me: "yeah man, that one is pretty good, schlafly (or x brewery) make a really good one too, check it out if you get a chance". Drink and let drink.

 

"Life's too short to drink bad beer", but it's also too short to preach about a luxury item, and particularly during a time of relative prolonged economic scarcity.

"My luxury widget is better than your luxury widget. Allow me recite the bullet-points as to why that's so!" Of course, if you get *paid* to be passionate about and evangelize for the Craft Beer r3volution, that's an entirely different matter -- in which case it not only can't be helped but is a valuable skill to possess!

 

More thoughts on this subject:

http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/craft-beer-evangelism.11809/

Though that one didn't have a sweet poll

 

I picked "other" as my response should be "I have trouble recalling what I've said to people while enjoying craft beer."

 

I drink what I like.
You drink what you like.

If we are at my house, I will share. If I get an extra in a trade I had before. I will give it to you.

No evangelism from me.

Cheers!

 

When at a bar or restaurant, what is the typical price difference between Bud Light and the most popular craft offering?

 

I'm a bartender, so when someone sees all the taps and isn't sure they want a Bud Light, hell yeah I throw a sip of Summerfest or something in their face, and they usually like it and buy a pint. Ease 'em in, I really do believe that 95% of people could find a craft-brewed style they love, maybe they've just tried the wrong stuff!

 

Food, drink, art, music, entertainment...it's all personal preference.

I drink what I like & make no comments to others about their tastes.

 

At "Happy Hour" price a 'Libbey Pint' of draught Budweiser Light will run you between $2.50 and $4.75 within the 11-county Metro area (<-- that's "Minneapolis metro area", doncha know.)

Now, the same pricing promotion and same sized pour of e.g.: Summit Extra Pale Ale (local) will run you between $3.00 and $6.50.

You need tack on between $1 and $2 for a similar-sized tap of a popular 'import' like Bells 2<3 or another local favorite (Surly Fury-ous), and altogether you're looking at some significant parking-meter money. I can't help but add that there's been a small "explosion!" of local breweries offering additional choices in the way of hop-bomb Pale/IPA, 'training-wheels' Amber, and even a few boring lagers. But for the most part these brands are being offered at prices-per 14oz "Pint" which average a little bit higher than your average Summit E.P.A.

P.S. All prices are compared within the same spread of beltway.

 

Yeah, while I typically fall into the "don't push it on people, just inform them if they ask" crowd, sometimes there are situations where you can tell someone will be open to trying something different even though they didn't prompt you. Your situation as a bartender fits that. But it also reminds me that there are close friends and family to whom I will give a random sample of something regardless of whether or not they ask for it... just to see their reaction at least. If they don't like it, I don't push the issue. But those people know me so well they're also not phased or surprised that I'm giving them some random beer saying "here, try this!". I.e. my dad humors me. I wouldn't do it to any random person.

 

That gets a big OK(ita) from me Captain Avatar.

 

Yeah, the title struck a chord with me. No worries though, I still voted in the poll!

 

Almost as if they're "beer advocates."

 

You wanna talk, I'll talk, and tell you why I like what I like. You wanna sit with me and drink a Bud Light while I sip an Abyss? Sounds like a good time to me.

 

I actively try to get my wife to like it (probably a bad I idea I'm sure)....I have her taste every beer I drink. She hasn't like the majority, but is ok with a few. Get your hands of my King Henry darling

 

Bartenders can be great ambassadors if informative about their taps and not pushy. Thank you, sir.

Great articles.